ConsFirst / Gaming headsets
Gaming headsets: the downsides, first
Check platform support first — some headsets don't work with Xbox, or come in separate PlayStation and Xbox versions. After that, owners complain about comfort, mics and build quality. Here are the most popular gaming headsets in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared25 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 gaming headsets, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
SteelSeries
$$Wireless5P: PS5, PC, Switch, mobileScore 4.0/5
15%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)1,533 ratings. The listing is titled 'Multi-System' and may pool variants.Tom's Guide's best gaming headset overall. It's light and comfortable, with a 60-hour battery and a phone app with 100+ game presets, for about $130. But it has no ANC, Wirecutter rejected the Xbox model over comfort or fit, and Amazon owners report connection problems and some failures.
Top complaints
- Connection issues and units that stop workingMentioned often
Amazon's summary says owners are split on wireless connectivity and reliability, with some reporting connection issues, poor audio and headsets that stop working.
- Comfort isn't universalMentioned often
Wirecutter dismissed the Nova 5X with a group of headsets it found uncomfortable for various head sizes or prone to slipping. Tom's Guide loved the comfort but says it made its tester's ears a bit hot after 3 hours.
- No ANC, and the app has limitsMentioned often
Tom's Guide and TechRadar both list the lack of active noise cancelling. TechRadar adds that not every game preset makes a noticeable difference.
What owners love
- Very comfortable and light
Tom's Guide calls the 9.41 oz headset the most comfortable its reviewer has owned. TechRadar says the AirWeave pads don't get too hot.
- 60-hour battery with fast charging
It's rated for up to 60 hours, and 15 minutes of charging adds about 5 hours (Tom's Guide) or 6 hours (TechRadar). Amazon owners praise the battery.
- Great sound and mic
TechRadar calls the audio superb and the mic great. Amazon owners like the retractable mic's sound.
Skip it if…- You need noise cancelling
- Reliability matters more to you than features
- Your ears run hot in long sessions
Good for- Mid-budget wireless with a very long battery
- Players who like per-game EQ presets
- Using a console and a phone at once (dongle plus Bluetooth)
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.0
Why 4.0?
Incredible according to Tom's Guide and superb according to TechRadar. Amazon owners are mixed. - Microphone4.0
Why 4.0?
TechRadar calls it great, and Amazon owners praise it. - Comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Top marks from Tom's Guide and TechRadar, but Wirecutter rejected the 5X over comfort or fit. - Battery / connection4.5
Why 4.5?
60 h rated with fast charging, though some Amazon owners report connection problems. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Robust according to TechRadar, but some Amazon owners report failures.
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Best gaming headset overall (updated 2026-09-25). Its only listed con is no ANC.
- TechRadar: 'All the gaming headset you'll ever need'. The cons are no ANC and some presets that don't make much difference.
- Wirecutter (NYT): The Nova 5X was dismissed for comfort or fit (guide updated 2026-09-02).
#2
Razer
$$$WirelessPC/PS5 version: PC, PS5, Switch, mobileScore 4.0/5
19%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 494 ratings (PC version listing).RTINGS' best upper mid-range pick. It adds ANC, a better mic and a 3.5 mm option to the V2 Pro and keeps 70 hours of battery. But it costs about $50 more than the V2 Pro and is heavier, the ANC is only decent, and Amazon owners are split on sound and reliability.
Top complaints
- Mixed owner reports on sound and reliabilityVery common
Amazon's summary says owners are split on sound, ANC, mic, connectivity, adjustability and fit, and some report it stopped working after three days.
- High price and extra weightMentioned often
PCGamesN lists the very high price, the weight and a slightly loose fit as cons. TechRadar says ANC costs about $50 more than the V2 Pro.
- Only decent ANC and an awkward dongleMentioned often
RTINGS says the ANC doesn't compete with Bose, Sony or Apple, and that Bluetooth connects to only one device. TechRadar says the fabric pads limit the ANC and the HyperSpeed dongle needs a USB cable.
What owners love
- Great boom mic
RTINGS says it renders your voice naturally, and PCGamesN heard a clear upgrade in its testing.
- Very comfortable
TechRadar praises its 'fantastic comfort', and PCGamesN calls it very comfortable for long sessions.
- Low latency and a 70-hour battery
RTINGS notes ultra-low wireless latency and longer battery than the Arctis Nova 7. PCGamesN cites 70 hours.
Skip it if…- You don't need ANC (the V2 Pro is cheaper)
- You want the lightest headset
- You want a small plug-in dongle
Good for- Competitive players who want low latency and a great mic
- Gaming in noisy rooms (ANC)
- Listening to a phone over Bluetooth while gaming
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.0
Why 4.0?
V-shaped but adjustable with EQ (RTINGS) and great according to PCGamesN. Amazon owners are mixed. - Microphone4.5
Why 4.5?
A great, natural-sounding boom mic (RTINGS, PCGamesN). - Comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Fantastic according to TechRadar, but heavy with a slightly loose fit according to PCGamesN. - Battery / connection4.0
Why 4.0?
70 h with low latency, but the dongle needs a cable (TechRadar). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
An immaculate finish (TechRadar), but some Amazon owners report early failures.
What experts say
- RTINGS: Best upper mid-range headset (updated 2026-09-02). It has V-shaped sound and decent ANC, connects to one Bluetooth device at a time, and has no built-in mic, so it can't be used without the boom.
- PCGamesN: Its new favorite headset. The cons are the price, the weight and a slightly loose fit.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed as too expensive to recommend (guide updated 2026-09-02).
#3
Razer
$$WirelessXbox, PS5, PC, Switch, mobileScore 3.9/5
19%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 396 ratings (White Xbox listing).Wirecutter's wireless upgrade pick. It's light and very comfortable with crisp sound and 48-70 hours of battery, and the Xbox version works with every platform. But there's no wired mode, Wirecutter finds the mic slightly compressed, and nearly a fifth of its small Amazon sample is 1-2 stars.
Top complaints
- No wired connectionVery common
Wirecutter and BGR both note there's no wired option, not even over USB-C, so you have no audio once the battery dies.
- Mic and connection problems for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's summary says owners are split on mic quality, connectivity and durability. It cites reports of the mic not working while gaming, Bluetooth problems, and build quality that doesn't hold up long-term. Wirecutter says voices sound slightly muffled and compressed.
- Weak noise isolation and basic softwareMentioned often
BGR says it isn't good at blocking outside sound and has no ANC. Wirecutter calls the Razer Audio Setup app basic next to Razer's Synapse software.
What owners love
- Exceptionally comfortable
Wirecutter calls it one of the most comfortable headsets it has tested, even with glasses. BGR says you can forget you're wearing it.
- Crisp, immersive sound
Wirecutter calls it clear and enveloping with good directional cues, and BGR rates the audio great. Amazon owners call the sound excellent.
- Long battery, works everywhere
Razer rates the battery at 70 hours on PC and 48 on console, and Wirecutter saw longer than claimed over a year of use. BGR notes the Xbox version also works on PlayStation.
Skip it if…- You want a wired backup
- You game somewhere noisy (weak isolation, no ANC)
- You want deep software customization
Good for- One wireless headset for both Xbox and PlayStation
- Long sessions with glasses
- Players who rarely want to charge
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.0
Why 4.0?
Crisp and spacious (Wirecutter) and great (BGR). - Microphone3.5
Why 3.5?
Very good according to BGR, slightly compressed according to Wirecutter, and mixed on Amazon. - Comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
One of the most comfortable Wirecutter has tested. - Battery / connection4.0
Why 4.0?
48-70 h rated and longer than claimed in Wirecutter's use, but no wired mode. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
No problems after a year of use for Wirecutter, but some Amazon owners complain about durability.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick (updated 2026-09-02). Its flaws are basic software and no wired option.
- BGR: Praises the audio, comfort and mic. The cons are no 3.5 mm port and noise isolation that could be better.
#4
Audeze
$$$WirelessPC, PS5, Switch, mobileScore 3.9/5
23%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 208 ratings, on the PC/PlayStation listing labeled 'new Version 2026'.RTINGS' best gaming headset and Tom's Guide's best for Xbox, with planar magnetic drivers, about 80 hours of battery and a strong mic. But it is heavy: SoundGuys found it hot and uncomfortable after a few hours, it slid off Wirecutter's tester, and 23% of its small Amazon sample is 1-2 stars.
Top complaints
- Heavy, warm and hard to adjustVery common
SoundGuys lists 'heavy and uncomfortable over long hours': its reviewer managed 4 hours, the pleather got warm, and the headband is 'an absolute pain to adjust'. TechRadar flags the weight, and Tom's Guide calls the adjustment annoying. Wirecutter says it fell off the back of its tester's head. Amazon owners are mixed on comfort.
- No simultaneous dongle and BluetoothVery common
Tom's Guide, TechRadar and SoundGuys all list the lack of simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio. Amazon's summary says some owners' USB dongles keep disconnecting.
- Pricey, with a mic some find only okayMentioned often
TechRadar calls the mic 'merely okay': its AI noise reduction didn't work well until tuned. Tom's Guide lists the price as a con, and Amazon owners split on value, with some calling it overpriced.
What owners love
- Top-tier sound
RTINGS calls the default sound well-balanced. Tom's Guide says it is arguably the best headset on the market for music, and TechRadar calls its audio reproduction peerless.
- Excellent mic (for most testers)
RTINGS says the boom mic performs amazingly, even in noisy environments, and Tom's Guide calls it excellent.
- Very long battery
RTINGS measured 77 hours. SoundGuys lists an 80+ hour battery, and Tom's Guide cites 80 hours.
Skip it if…- Weight or heat bothers you
- You want Bluetooth and dongle audio at the same time
- You own the original Maxwell (a small upgrade)
Good for- The best sound for both games and music
- Very long battery
- Players who want a premium mic
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound5.0
Why 5.0?
The best sound in this group according to RTINGS, Tom's Guide and TechRadar. - Microphone4.0
Why 4.0?
Amazing according to RTINGS and excellent according to Tom's Guide, but 'merely okay' according to TechRadar. - Comfort2.5
Why 2.5?
Heavy and warm (SoundGuys), and it slid off Wirecutter's tester. Tom's Guide finds it very comfortable. - Battery / connection4.5
Why 4.5?
77 h measured by RTINGS, but it can't play over Bluetooth and the dongle at once. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
SoundGuys scores durability and build 8.0, though the mute switch on its unit was loose.
What experts say
- RTINGS: Best gaming headset (updated 2026-09-02). It is heavy; RTINGS suggests the lighter Astro A50 X for comfort.
- Tom's Guide: Best for Xbox (updated 2026-09-25). The cons are no simultaneous connectivity, annoying adjustment, and a high price that it still considers worth paying.
- SoundGuys: 7.7. The cons are heavy and uncomfortable over long hours, no noise cancelling, and no simultaneous wireless connections.
#5
Turtle Beach
$WirelessPC, PS5, Switch, mobileScore 3.4/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)6,971 ratings on the Xbox-version listing. We didn't check whether these ratings are pooled with other versions or the older Gen 2.RTINGS' best lower mid-range pick, with 85.7 hours of battery in its test and a mic that handles noise well, for about $100. The catches are a plastic build, a tight clamp that bothered TechRadar after a couple of hours, and no wired mode.
Top complaints
- Tight clamp and thin paddingVery common
TechRadar lists 'can become uncomfortable' as a con. The clamp is tight, especially below the ear, and the headband lacks padding, which its tester noticed after a couple of hours. PCWorld also finds the clamp on the firm side, and Wirecutter dismissed it over comfort or fit.
- Plastic build and some early failuresMentioned often
RTINGS says it isn't as well built as its other picks, and TechRadar says the materials are all plastic and pleather. Amazon's summary reports some units breaking within a week, plus random disconnections, mic failures and early charging problems.
- Muddy or dull default soundMentioned often
RTINGS says the boosted bass can make dialogue muddy and cymbals piercing, though the EQ helps. TechRadar says the drivers lack high-end sparkle, and Amazon owners are mixed on sound.
What owners love
- Huge battery
RTINGS measured 85.7 hours, and TechRadar says the 80-hour rating held up in testing.
- Strong mic with good noise handling
RTINGS rates recording quality very good and noise handling great. TechRadar was impressed by the AI noise cancellation and the mic audio.
- Flexible controls and connections
TechRadar and PCWorld highlight the 2.4 GHz dongle plus Bluetooth, a physical chat-mix wheel, and a flip-to-mute mic.
Skip it if…- You're sensitive to clamping pressure
- You want a wired fallback
- You want premium materials
Good for- Long battery on a budget
- Online play where mic noise handling matters
- Multi-platform players (buy the Xbox version)
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound3.0
Why 3.0?
Good, not great (TechRadar), and muddy by default according to RTINGS, though PCWorld calls it clear. - Microphone4.0
Why 4.0?
Very good recording and great noise handling (RTINGS). - Comfort2.5
Why 2.5?
Tight clamp and thin headband padding (TechRadar). Wirecutter rejected it over comfort or fit. - Battery / connection5.0
Why 5.0?
85.7 h measured by RTINGS, the longest in this group. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Plastic build (RTINGS, TechRadar), and some Amazon owners report early breakage.
What experts say
- RTINGS: Best lower mid-range gaming headset (updated 2026-09-02). It's not the best-built, can't be used wired, and can't play audio over Bluetooth and the dongle at the same time.
- TechRadar: 'All about value'. The cons are drivers that lack sparkle, comfort that wears down, and a thin headband.
- PCWorld: Strong value. The cons are no Xbox support on the PC and PlayStation versions, and no USB-A to USB-C adapter.
#6
Logitech
$WirelessPC, PlayStation, Switch, mobileScore 3.4/5
13%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 266 ratings (White listing).Wirecutter's best wireless headset under $100. It is very light and comfortable, and its built-in mic handles background noise well. But it doesn't work with Xbox, has no wired mode, and its roughly 24-hour battery is short next to rivals.
Top complaints
- Short battery and no wired optionVery common
Wirecutter notes the roughly 24-hour rating is far below its other wireless picks (70 to 90 hours), the battery readout jumps around, and the headset can't be used wired. PCGamesN calls battery life 'merely ok', and Pocket Tactics says a full charge takes about three hours.
- Built-in mic is a step downVery common
Wirecutter found its voice slightly muffled compared with its other picks. PCGamesN says the internal mic can't compete with good boom mics and picks up voices in front of you more readily. Pocket Tactics says the mic won't blow you away and your voice comes through a little quieter.
- No Xbox supportMentioned often
Wirecutter says it doesn't work with Xbox consoles, and the Amazon listing names PC, PlayStation, Switch and mobile only. PCGamesN's review does list Xbox as compatible (see notes).
What owners love
- Extremely comfortable and light
Wirecutter's tester sometimes forgot she was wearing it. PCGamesN says the 212 g headset 'fairly floats on your head'. Amazon owners praise the soft foam.
- Good sound for the price
Wirecutter says it's clearer and more detailed than most headsets in its price range. PCGamesN calls the sound fun and punchy but basic.
- Effective noise reduction and easy switching
In Wirecutter's test, the mic removed the loud whoosh of a fan, and one button swaps between the 2.4 GHz dongle and Bluetooth. Pocket Tactics found pairing almost instant.
Skip it if…- You play on Xbox
- You want a wired fallback or a long battery
- You need a boom-mic-quality voice
Good for- PC, PlayStation and Switch players who want cheap wireless
- Comfort for all-day wear
- People who don't want a boom mic in front of their face
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound3.5
Why 3.5?
Better than most under $100 (Wirecutter); 'fun and adequate' (PCGamesN). - Microphone3.0
Why 3.0?
Good at removing noise, but thinner and quieter than a boom mic. - Comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
Rated highly by Wirecutter, PCGamesN and Pocket Tactics. - Battery / connection2.5
Why 2.5?
About 24 h rated, with no wired mode and no Xbox support. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
PCGamesN calls it really robust; a few Amazon owners report it stopping working.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for wireless under $100 (added in September 2026). Its flaws are battery life that may be too short, and no Xbox or wired use.
- PCGamesN: A great budget headset. The cons are basic sound, an internal mic that can't match boom mics, and battery life that's merely okay.
- Pocket Tactics: Excellent value. The cons are a mic that won't blow you away and slow charging.
#7
HyperX
$WiredPC, PS5, Xbox Series X|SScore 3.4/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)12,857 ratings.A popular $99.99 wired headset with a steel and aluminum frame. Tom's Hardware finds it extremely comfortable with strong bass. But Wirecutter rejected it for comfort, Tom's Hardware rates the mic only 'fine', and some Amazon owners report it breaking within months.
Top complaints
- Mic is just okay and quietVery common
Tom's Hardware says the mic sounds 'fine' but records at a low volume even with gain maxed, picks up sibilance, and blips loudly when you press mute. Amazon's summary says mic feedback is mixed, with some owners saying it doesn't pick up voices.
- Fit and comfort split opinionMentioned often
Wirecutter dismissed the Cloud III with a group of headsets it found uncomfortable for various head sizes, prone to slipping or too tight. Amazon owners disagree on fit, with some saying it doesn't sit well on their heads. Tom's Hardware, by contrast, calls it extremely comfortable.
- Some units break earlyMentioned often
Amazon's summary says durability is a concern, with some owners reporting the headset broke after three months. Owners are also mixed on sound quality.
What owners love
- Solid metal frame
Tom's Hardware notes a steel headband with aluminum forks. Amazon owners call the build solid, with metal in key areas.
- Strong bass, fairly balanced sound
Tom's Hardware says the bass is deep and powerful and the overall sound more balanced than expected, though the soundstage is a little narrow.
- Good value
Tom's Hardware calls the $99.99 price very budget-friendly for the build and sound, and Amazon owners say it's worth the price.
Skip it if…- You need a strong, loud mic for streaming
- You want wireless
- Comfort is your top priority (opinions are split)
Good for- Wired play where a sturdier metal frame matters
- Bass-forward game audio
- A detachable mic you can remove for music
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound3.5
Why 3.5?
Deep bass and fairly balanced, but a narrow soundstage (Tom's Hardware). Amazon owners are mixed. - Microphone3.0
Why 3.0?
'Fine' but quiet, with sibilance (Tom's Hardware). Amazon owners are mixed. - Comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
Extremely comfortable for Tom's Hardware, but Wirecutter rejected it for comfort or fit and Amazon owners disagree. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Steel and aluminum frame, but some Amazon owners report it breaking after a few months.
What experts say
- Tom's Hardware: A good update to the Cloud II: more comfortable and better looking. The cons are mic sibilance with a loud mute button, weak virtual surround, and NGENUITY software that often doesn't recognize the headset.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Dismissed for comfort or fit problems (guide updated 2026-09-02).
#8
HyperX
$WiredPC, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch, mobileScore 3.5/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Wirecutter's top pick and Tom's Guide's best budget headset. For about $50 it is comfortable and sounds better than its price suggests. The trade-offs are a flimsy all-plastic build, a cable and mic that can't be detached, and a mic that Tom's Guide found quiet.
Top complaints
- Flimsy, plastic buildVery common
Tom's Guide lists 'flimsy design' as a con. The chassis is all plastic and the earcups swivel loosely, which it expects to limit durability. Wirecutter says it feels cheaper and more rickety than its upgrade pick.
- Cable and mic are permanently attachedVery common
Wirecutter flags the built-in 3.5 mm cable: if it breaks after the two-year warranty, you'd have to open the earcup and solder in a new one. SoundGuys lists the non-detachable mic as a con and says the cable can be awkward to manage. Tom's Guide calls the fixed mic cumbersome.
- Quiet mic for some testersMentioned often
Tom's Guide found the mic clear but 'remarkably quieter' than most, so friends may need to turn you up. Wirecutter and SoundGuys, by contrast, rate the mic well.
What owners love
- Sound beats its price
Wirecutter says it sounds better than many headsets that cost three times as much and keeps its detail at low volume. Tom's Guide calls the sound from its 50 mm drivers rich and clear for almost everything.
- Comfortable for hours
Wirecutter says most people can wear it for hours, and the leatherette pads can be swapped for third-party ones. Tom's Guide and SoundGuys also find it comfortable.
- Works with everything
Wirecutter and SoundGuys say the 3.5 mm plug works with PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and phones. Wirecutter notes it includes a two-year DTS spatial-audio license for PC and Xbox.
Skip it if…- You're rough on gear (plastic build, fixed cable)
- You want wireless, software or EQ
- You stream and need a loud, clear mic
Good for- A cheap wired headset that works on every console
- Long sessions on a budget
- Players who want a flip-up-to-mute mic
Scores (tap for why)
- Sound4.0
Why 4.0?
Better than many headsets at three times the price (Wirecutter), and great for the price (Tom's Guide). - Microphone3.5
Why 3.5?
Great according to Wirecutter and good according to SoundGuys, but Tom's Guide found it unusually quiet. - Comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Comfortable for hours according to Wirecutter, Tom's Guide and SoundGuys. Tom's Guide says the fit can shift if pushed. - Battery / connection3.5
Why 3.5?
Wired, so there's no battery. The 3.5 mm plug works on every platform, but the cable can't be replaced. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
All plastic and flimsy (Tom's Guide), and rickety next to pricier picks (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for most people (updated 2026-09-02). The only flaw listed is the built-in cable.
- Tom's Guide: Best budget pick (updated 2026-09-25). The cons are a cumbersome, quiet mic and a flimsy design.
- SoundGuys: 6.4: a good budget choice. The cons are limited features, some poor design decisions and a non-detachable mic.